Snaer named a finalist for defensive award

BOBFERRANTE

FS Florida

Michael Snaer has made a name for himself by making six buzzer-beaters in his last two seasons at
Florida State. But what is often overlooked is his defense.

Snaer, a senior guard, has been named to the 2013 Lefty Driesell Defensive All-American team sponsored by CollegeInsider.com. Snaer was named to the All-ACC defensive team his last two seasons at Florida State, and in 2012-13 he had 33 steals and 15 blocks.

The 2013 Lefty Driesell Award will be presented to the nation's top defensive player on Friday in Atlanta.

Snaer was often considered one of the top defenders in the country. Coach Leonard Hamilton emphasizes defense first, and he often put Snaer on a team’s top perimeter shooters.

“He loves the game of basketball,” Hamilton said. “He practices just as hard when he is in the gym by himself working on his individual skills as he does when he is in a 5-on-5 situation.”

And while he averaged 14.8 points per game as a senior, it may be Snaer’s all-around game that helps him in the NBA draft on June 27.